Did you know… that coffee is being grown right here in Ventura County?
Coffee beans ready for harvesting
Traditionally, coffee cultivation has stayed close to the equator, in tropical highlands. But it turns out that our Southern California microclimate—including Ventura County—can produce coffee with remarkably sweet, complex flavors that rival beans grown in more conventional regions.
In recent years, a small group of dedicated farmers across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Diego counties have teamed up to establish coffee as a viable new crop. It’s still early days, but more than 70 farms are now part of this California coffee-growing movement—including five right here in Ventura County.
Meet Some of Our Local Growers and Roasters
California-grown coffee is beginning to get noticed, with some farms earning high quality marks from coffee pros. Here are a few Ventura County growers and roasters, each with their own story to tell. Check our their sites to learn more about what they grow, roast, and brew:
Coffee grower Dave Armstrong sharing his knowledge with students on the Totally Local VC Education tours.
FRINJ Coffee: Founded by Jay Ruskey, FRINJ supports more than 70 farms across Southern California and is leading the charge in developing the region’s specialty coffee industry.
California Coffee Collective: This group helps growers, producers, and coffee lovers connect as California coffee earns a spot on the world stage.
Hobson Family Farms: Working alongside FRINJ, the Hobson family is helping put Ventura County on the map for premium coffee.
Rancho Filoso: With deep roots in Ventura County farming, Rancho Filoso is branching out into coffee as an exciting new venture.
Prospect Coffee Roasters: Based in Ventura, this family-run company is roasting and serving up some of the region’s freshest small-batch brews.
Cafe Altura: An organic pioneer, Cafe Altura promotes sustainable agriculture and sources beans from around the world—while also celebrating California-grown coffee.
While coffee farming in Ventura County is still relatively new, it’s a growing part of our region’s innovative agricultural story. Who knows? The next great cup of coffee might be brewed with beans grown just down the road.
Armstrong photo: Kat Merrick
1 comment
Awesome Resource! Thank you.